Hank McGregor steps down from world championships following ‘secret illness’
McGregor had apparently attempted to keep his illness secret however, after seeking medical advice the day before the marathon, he was advised that he would not be able to take part in the race.
With effectively no other choice, twelve-time world champion and Salt Rock local, Hank McGregor has withdrawn himself from competing in the ICF Canoe Marathon World Championship in Shaoxing, Eastern China.
The reason for his withdrawal is said to be related to a virus which he had failed to shake off in time for the marathon, resulting in national selectors now being forced to reshuffle the senior men’s teams for the global showdown which starts later today (Thursday).
McGregor had apparently attempted to keep his illness secret however, after seeking medical advice the day before the marathon, McGregor was advised that he would not be able to participate in the race.
ALSO READ: WATCH: Salt Rock’s Hank named KZN Sportsman of the Year
The 41-year-old stepped down, leaving the national selectors to plug the gap in the senior men’s K1 team alongside reigning world champ Andy BIrkett.
Birkett was also due to defend the K2 world title he won with McGregor in Portugal last year.
The call went out to Capetonian Nick Notten, who stunned the SA Championships earlier in the year by pushing McGregor and Birkett hard to the finish line in a thrilling three-way K1 duel, and against all odds he had the necessary travel documents to be able to board the next flight to China to arrive in time to race the Men’s K1 race on Saturday afternoon.
While they have never paddled together, Birkett was happy to take Notten on as his K2 partner on Sunday, having been thoroughly impressed by his gutsy tenacity at the national trials.
Clint Cook, who was with the team in China to support his girlfriend Christie Mackenzie, will now race in McGregor’s place in the new short course race on Thursday.
ALSO READ: Salt Rock’s Hank gears up for the World Champs
The withdrawal of McGregor will shake the event as a whole, but it may well galvanise the South African team, buoyed by the fifteen medal haul from the veteran and masters paddlers in the opening two days of competition.
The world championships begins with the junior K1 races today (Thursday).
Birkett and his new partner Notten will take to the water for the senior men’s K2 title decider with team mates Alex Masina and Louis Hattingh, who made a statement at the national championships by pushing Birkett and McGregor right to the line during the event that doubled as the trials for national team to China.
2019 ICF Canoe Marathon World Championships Schedule (SA Time)
Thursday, 17 October
02:30AM – Junior Women K1
04:45AM – Senior Women K1 Short Course: Heat One
05:10AM – Senior Women K1 Short Course: Heat Two
05:35AM – Senior Men K1 Short Course: Heat One
05:50AM – Senior Men K1 Short Course: Heat Two
06:45AM – Junior Men K1
10:15AM – Senior Women Short Course: Final
10:40AM – Senior Men Short Course: Final
Friday, 18 October
02:30AM – Junior K2 Women
04:30AM – U23 K1 Women
06:45AM – Junior K2 men
08:45AM – U23 K1 Men
Saturday, 19 October
06:30AM – K1 Women
09:00AM – K1 Men
Sunday, 20 October
05:15AM – K2 Women
08:15AM – K2 Men
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